Chi Rho Letters - 6th Sunday of Easter

May 09, 2026 9:27 pm

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May 10, 2026 - Volume II, Issue 11


“A society without mothers would be a dehumanized society, for mothers are always, even in the worst moments, witnesses of tenderness, dedication and moral strength….Dearest mothers, thank you, thank you for what you are in your family and for what you give to the Church and the world.” 

Pope Francis




Editor’s Note

Happy 6th Sunday of Easter! This week we hear of what can be called Christ's farewell address, the final words to the 12 together before His passion, and these are the Chi Rho Letters.


One of the things I really love about being Catholic is how tangible our worship is...

Reflection on Substack



Now, onto the Headlines -


This week’s headlines are shaped above all by the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election. Catholic outlets looked back on the first year of his pontificate through timelines, quote collections, bishops’ reflections, and analysis of his emerging style as a pope of order in chaotic times. I typically remove articles with duplicative topics, but it was amazing to dig into all of these, each offering their own perspective. The anniversary coverage presents a pontificate already marked by diplomacy, attention to human dignity, and a steady effort to speak clearly into public life.


That diplomatic role came into sharp focus as Pope Leo met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the war in Iran, humanitarian aid, and the urgent need for peace. The pope also rejected President Trump’s claim that he supports Iran having nuclear weapons, reiterating that violence must remain a last resort and that the Church continues to oppose nuclear arms. Beyond the Vatican, upcoming papal travel is also taking shape, with Spain releasing a schedule that includes a Corpus Christi procession in Madrid and French bishops anticipating a visit in late September.


Church governance remains a major thread this week. The Rome-Germany conflict over blessings continues to intensify, while new synod-related reports raise questions about episcopal selection and emerging pastoral issues. The Vatican has also ordered an investigation into the Bishop of Baton Rouge, adding another story to the continuing conversation about episcopal accountability. Meanwhile, Vatican financial scrutiny continues around the London property case, and reports about possible SSPX consecrations point to renewed concerns over schism and ecclesial unity.


Life issues are also prominent. Catholics are watching the Supreme Court as a deadline approaches in a case involving telemedicine abortion and mail-order abortion drugs. U.S. bishops are pressing Congress to put children and families first in appropriations, while Catholic and interfaith leaders in Ohio are urging an end to the death penalty. Other stories connect Catholic moral concern to gun violence, electoral guidance in Sweden, and a California program offering free diapers for newborns.


Closer to home, the U.S. Church saw several stories of vocation, memory, and witness. Archbishop Pérez will ordain Philadelphia’s largest class of new priests in 23 years, while three men were ordained yesterday as permanent deacons. A national shrine is planned for Venerable Augustus Tolton, and Brooklyn honored Servant of God Dorothy Day with a renamed street corner.


The week also offered rich spiritual and devotional stories: relics of the Cristero martyrs visited Los Angeles, a new release seeks to revive St. Bartolo Longo’s Fifteen Saturdays devotion, and Mother’s Day brought attention to saints who were also mothers. Aleteia’s pieces on Easter, walking as prayer, the saints, and hidden sacrifice help round out the week with practical spiritual reflection.


Finally, the contemplative corner looks at the lives of 12 mothers who are saints. This article can serve as a primer this week for you to reflect on mothers in our own lives, who have shaped us into who we are. Let’s pray for moms in a special way this week, our own and those that have adopted us into their own families.


Please know of my prayers for you this week, and please pray for me.



Sunday Readings

Sixth Sunday of Easter - Link

Reading 1: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

Psalm: Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

Reading 2: 1 Peter 3:15-18

Gospel: John 14:15-21


Collect

Grant, almighty God, that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy, which we keep in honor of the risen Lord, and that what we relive in remembrance we may always hold to in what we do. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.


Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer



Headlines

Papal Watch


Church Governance, Vatican Accountability & Doctrine


Pro-Life News & Life Issues


U.S. Church, Vocations & Local Witness


Liturgy, Devotions, Saints & Spiritual Life


Culture, Science, Ethics & Pastoral Care


Feel Good Stories



Contemplative Corner

Sainthood Found Through Motherhood

In honor of Mother’s Day, check out this beautiful reminder that the path to holiness has often run straight through the hidden sacrifices of motherhood. From St. Monica’s tearful prayers for Augustine, to St. Gianna Molla’s self-giving love, to St. Zélie Martin’s faithful witness in the home, these women show that sanctity is not separate from ordinary family life but can be formed within it. Their lives remind us that motherhood, with all its joys, sufferings, fears, and daily acts of love, can become a school of holiness.


Read: 12 saints who were also mothers



Collection Plate

Catholic Relief Services - Focus on Middle East Conflict - Link

As conflict and displacement continue to affect communities across the region, Catholic Relief Services is working with trusted local partners to provide lifesaving assistance and support families forced from their homes. With your gift, families across the Middle East will continue to receive vital relief and care as they seek refuge and relief. Please give now to support families across the Middle East.



The Liturgical Week Ahead

Coloring indicates Liturgical Color, links provided to USCCB site.


May 11, 2026 | Monday | Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Acts 16:11-15 | John 15:26-16:4a

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer


May 12, 2026 | Tuesday | Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter; Optional Memorials of Saints Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs, and Saint Pancras, Martyr

Acts 16:22-34 | John 16:5-11

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer


May 13, 2026 | Wednesday | Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter; Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima

Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 | John 16:12-15

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer


May 14, 2026 | Thursday | The Ascension of the Lord

Acts 1:1-11 | Ephesians 1:17-23 | Matthew 28:16-20

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer


May 15, 2026 | Friday | Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter; Optional Memorial of Saint Isidore

Acts 18:9-18 | John 16:20-23

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer


May 16, 2026 | Saturday | Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Acts 18:23-28 | John 16:23b-28

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer



Community Prayer Intentions

For Strength and Comfort

  • Families of Servicemembers
  • Those affected by the Iranian and Ukrainian wars
  • Families experiencing losses
  • Myers Family
  • Demers Family
  • Pope Leo XIV


Eternal Rest

  • Noel Demers
  • Emma Niese
  • Those killed in the wars in Iran and Ukraine
  • Fr. Wilber Thomas
  • Pope Benedict XVI
  • Pope Francis


Saints in Progress, pray for us!



Thank you!

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–☧ Rob

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